Man killed NHS worker with scissors before burning clothes and hiding weapon

A man who was found guilty of killing a “much-loved” NHS worker with scissors has been jailed for eight years.

Darren McDade, 34, attacked Kyle Zybilowicz, 29, at the victim’s flat in Glasgow on July 22, 2023.

The High Court heard how McDade tried to avoid detection for his actions as he undertook a “Herculean effort” to cover his tracks, including hiding the weapon and burning his clothes.

McDade admitted to jurors that he was responsible for causing Mr Zybilowicz’s death but claimed he had been fearing for his own life.

McDade claimed Mr Zybilowicz had initially forced himself upon him and bit hard on his finger before going to grab the scissors.

He said he got them first before striking Kyle, although he did not know how many times he lashed out.

McDade had been accused of murder at a trial at the High Court in Glasgow but was convicted of the reduced charge of culpable homicide while acting under provocation.

Passing sentence, Lord Scott paid tribute to Mr Zybilowicz, referencing to statements which had been provided to him by the family.

He said: “They tell me of the traumatic and enduring impact his death has had on them and the family, including three nieces who will never know their uncle.

“He was a kind, loving, generous man. He did so much to make people laugh.

“It is clear his death has had a significant impact on this family.

“There is no sentence that I can impose that can lessen the impact of the death of a much-loved son, brother, uncle and colleague.

“In all the circumstances, I impose a sentence of eight years imprisonment.”

The court heard how McDade had been out with a friend before the killing, including at a city centre casino.

He said he had earlier been in contact with Kyle to chat about meeting up, despite having never met before, to score cocaine.

McDade and his friend then took a taxi from Glasgow’s West End to Mr Zybilowicz’s flat in Dumbreck Court.

He claimed Mr Zybilowicz had propositioned him shortly after he arrived alone, and he had rejected his advances.

McDade said Mr Zybilowicz then grappled with him before trying to attack him with a knife.

He alleged Mr Zybilowicz reached out for a pair of scissors, however, McDade said: “He got his hand on them, but I got there to try and stop him.”

McDade admitted he then “stabbed” Mr Zybilowicz with the weapon, then “grabbed his jumper and ran”.

He claimed not to know how many times he struck Mr Zybilowicz, who was repeatedly stabbed, including in the eye or why he had done so.

The court heard McDade still took Mr Zybilowicz’s phone and threw it away during a taxi journey.

He also ditched the scissors behind an electricity box in the city’s Maryhill.

McDade further took a hire car to the Campsie Fells in Lennoxtown, East Dunbartonshire to burn his clothes after buying matches and turps from a supermarket.

Prosecutors stated that despite knowing what he had done, McDade even claimed to others Mr Zybilowicz had texted to threaten him.

Mr Zybilowicz was described by one friend who gave evidence in the trial as “a good guy, so funny…everybody loved him”.

On Thursday, Lord Scott also paid tribute to Mr Zybilowicz’s family, who had observed the proceedings.

He added: “They have conducted themselves with a quiet and dignified respect.”